3."Give Service-With a loving heart and willing hands, give service to others because you want to give it and because you can make someone happy at home, at school, among your friends, and in your community."
hmmmmm....where to begin with this one. It has been hard for me to WANT to perform certain tasks like housework and that is what this one always meant to me. To clean up after others or cook or sew. The sewing part has always been easy but cleaning is not a creative activity. Of someone could show me how to be creative with housework I might change my attitude but that's another activity that gets little appreciation or respect. I'm seeing a pattern here! I don't feel appreciated or respected. You are supposed to "give service" because you want to not for what you will get for it. Do other people find satisfaction in that? But there you go. You don't do it for satisfaction you just do it. Does it make others happy if they don't show it? It seems the more you do for people the more they expect.
4. "Pursue Knowledge-That doesn't mean catch up with knowledge and put it in your pocket! Knowledge can never be caught. You always pursue it to understand, to do, and to be what you want to be. One way you pursue knowledge is to earn new honors in the Seven Crafts and achieve Camp Fire ranks."
When I was a kid I thought we went to school to be tested on what we already knew. I didn't know I was there to learn what I didn't know. I thought everyone else knew everything and I was just faking it. I remember the night before I started third grade. I stayed up late asking my mom the multiplication tables. I thought I would be tested on it and I was afraid to go to school not knowing. We didn't have many books in our house. When I first got my library card I went to the children's section and started with the letter A. I took the first two books off the shelf. Both books were about animals but the only one I remember was about the life of the otter. My mother would only let me bring two library books home at a time and she wouldn't take me back to the library until the books were due. She said she didn't want me to be a bookworm. Well I wanted to be an otter but we don't always get what we want do we? We did get the local newspaper, all ten pages of it, and I read it from cover to cover every evening. I was obedient and only read as much of the text books as I was assigned. I could have read them all the first week of school but I was afraid of getting into trouble for reading ahead. Besides, if I had read it all at once there would have been nothing left to read for the rest of the school year and I didn't want to set myself up for that much boredom. There just weren't that many opportunities to learn. Later, in junior high and high school, when I had greater access to the library, my interests were all over the place. I remember looking at the "NEW BOOKS" shelf that was separate from the stacks. At one time I checked out Mike Royko's Boss, Leo Rosten's The Joys of Yiddish and just for fun The Brothers Karamazov, by Dostoyevsky. Not being able to focus on one thing I spent three years in two community colleges before leaving to join the Peace Corps. Well, at least my Spanish classes hadn't been a waste of time! After my Peace Corps years I went back to school to major in business but it bored me to death. I browsed through the catalog and discovered a program in Latin American Studies and I knew that was for me. The program consisted of a combination of history, geography, political science and languages (Spanish and Portuguese). After taking several semesters of Latin American history and with my advisor telling me I was taking too many history classes I realized history was my passion. I ended up moving away from there but I did finish a Bachelor's in history in my new location. And I had done it all by the age of forty(sarcasm?) I then jumped into a master's in anthropology, took all the classes but never finished the thesis. I am deep in debt now. Part of the reason I did it was because I was supporting two kids(yes I had children somewhere along the way!) mostly on student loans. I don't regret it. I realize that pursuing knowledge does not necessarily mean getting degrees and letters after your name but it was important to me to graduate. I still read a lot and try to learn as much as I can about whatever interests me.
5. "Be Trustworthy-Be honest and truthful. Be fair in work and in play. This part of the law does not say "ACT trustworthy", it says BE Trustworthy." It means you always keep your word and are worthy of trust."
Reading this I am reminded of a quote credited to Alice Roosevelt Longworth, "If you can't say something nice, come sit by me." Though I'm not sure that applies in this situation. I think not gossiping about people is part of being trustworthy. I don't know if I was an honest and truthful child. I hope I was but I rarely went anywhere or did anything so I had very little to be dishonest about. Well, actually, I mentioned earlier that I always read my textbooks as they were assigned instead of reading ahead. I guess that was one example of being trustworthy. If you do it out of fear is that still considered being trustworthy? I think as an adult I have tried to be honest unless it was too painful to be honest. I have not always kept my promises as sometimes that has been impossible. Either finances or situations prevented it. Does that absolve me? Should be keep promises at all costs?
I'm going to be 60 next month! One of my big regrets in life was that I didn't stay in Camp Fire Girls, mostly through no fault of my own. I have the Book of the Camp Fire Girls and I plan to award myself for lessons learned.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Honors
My weekend felt like a waste in some ways. Saturday I left my pajama on all day! That's probably a demerit towards my Citizenship Craft! I like to think though that I got started on my Creative Arts Craft. I saw some crocheted plant hangers but since I don't really enjoy crochet got the idea to knit plant hangers. I love to knit! I am using techniques I love and making something useful that I can admire. I love to knit socks but I find it very impractical. I have a hard time making them fit and they wear out so easily that I get discouraged and feel I have wasted my time. The plant hanger I am making is basically a sock pattern. I found a stranded color design that I really liked and sturdy cotton yarn I like knitting with. I am going to knit more of these plant hangers and use the Native American symbols in the book. This will combine my Creative Arts Craft, Home Craft and Outdoor Craft. For my Home Craft I want to grow herbs. An Outdoor Craft I chose was to grow plants from cuttings. I can take cuttings of my outdoor herb garden, turn them into houseplants and house them in my knitted plant hangers. So there are 3 of the Seven Crafts. This is too easy. I may have to require more of myself. If nothing else this project is helping me overcome my procrastination.
On Sunday I accomplished one honor in Outdoor Crafts. I cooked corn, vegan sausages, bread and pizza outdoors over a fire. I love cooking outdoors. It gets me outside. I love cooking my own food and knowing I could still make tasty food if we had no electricity. I need to impose a stiffer requirement. Maybe say cook enough food to last me the whole week? I will have to think about this one. Sunday I cooked 5 vegan sausages, 3 ears of corn and 6 large pieces of flatbread, one of which I used for my pizza. The sausages and bread have lasted until now. I still have dough and ears of corn that need to be cooked and eaten. I don't like wasting food OR time!
On Sunday I accomplished one honor in Outdoor Crafts. I cooked corn, vegan sausages, bread and pizza outdoors over a fire. I love cooking outdoors. It gets me outside. I love cooking my own food and knowing I could still make tasty food if we had no electricity. I need to impose a stiffer requirement. Maybe say cook enough food to last me the whole week? I will have to think about this one. Sunday I cooked 5 vegan sausages, 3 ears of corn and 6 large pieces of flatbread, one of which I used for my pizza. The sausages and bread have lasted until now. I still have dough and ears of corn that need to be cooked and eaten. I don't like wasting food OR time!
The Three Camp Fire Ranks
I will list the 3 ranks and the requirements for the first, Trail Seeker. I had achieved this rank before our group came to an end. Instead of the silver charm that says is the award, I remember having a flat wooden bead with the symbol painted on. I don't know where this bead is, I may still have it. I guess that was our economical way of awarding ourselves. I believe I painted the bead myself.
Much of the text that follows came directly from the Camp Fire Book.
"Trail Seeker-means you seek something. (that definitely applies to me) It means you want to find the way to do things and try new things. In this rank there will be hikes with lunches eaten out of doors, service given to others, Indian symbol games and your first group ceremonial(not likely as I am on my own.) You will help to plan a party and a trip and do many other things." Well, my birthday is coming up but I haven't planned a party. As for hiking and lunches out of doors this may not have been the best time to start in Southeast Texas!
"Becoming a Wood Gatherer means you strive to grow strong in loyalty, to progress, to learn, to accomplish, to share with your group. You will enjoy games and dances, an exciting symbol project, making friends with people from other countries while learning to be a good citizen of our own country. There will be cookouts, dramatics, ceremonials and you will decorate your ceremonial costume." This will take some adaptation since it's just me, no group. I doubt that I will be dancing. I have many friends from other countries. My oldest son was born in Ecuador-does he count as a friend from another country? I definitely need to learn to be a better citizen of my own country as she and I haven't seen eye-to-eye in a very long time. I am looking forward to cookouts and the symbol project.
"Becoming a Fire Maker will mean self-development, responsibility, service, sharing with others your skills and your joys on the camp fire trail, sports and games, parties, cookouts and camping trips help you keep physically and mentally fit. Learning to be a gracious hostess will increase your homemaking skills. Here you will have a real service project of your own choosing, and a new creative arts experience for you and your group." Wow, one thing at a time! I think I will address this when I come to it.
But first I will pursue the rank of Trail Seeker.
Trail Seeker's Desire
I desire
to seek the way
that shall become
a delight to my feet,
for it will bring me
to the fire of human kindness
lighted by those
who have gone before me
on the Camp Fire trail.
Theodore A. Harper
The requirements for Trail Seeker rank are:
1. Name the 3 ranks in Camp Fire and the Seven Crafts. Describe the color symbolism of the 8
different honor beads. Tell the meaning of the watchword and the slogan.
2. Make plans with your group and go on a hike. Take a trailside lunch which you have prepared yourself. Look and listen for interesting things in nature. Tell your group about 2 or 3.
3. Learn the Trail Seeker's Desire. Talk with your guardian about what it means to you. Describe the symbols on the Trail Seeker's charm.
4. Choose at least 1 honor(maybe more) in each of the Seven Crafts. Earn these honors at a group meeting or by yourself. Keep a record of the honors you earn.
5. Give Service to others by doing 1 of the following:
a. Make decorations for a hospital, children's home or day nursery.
b. Make a gift for an elderly person or a shut-in child.
c. Gather material and make dish gardens or seasonal bouquets for shut-ins.
6. With your group, find out about American Indian symbols and how the Indians use them.
Do 1 of the following:
a. Play 2 or 3 symbol games, using at least 6 different Indian symbols.
b. Help to make or draw a group picture story, using 6 or more Indian symbols.
c. Use 6 Indian symbols in making something, like invitations or decorations.
7. Take part in your group ceremonial meetings. Receive the honor beads you have earned. Sing
songs you have learned in your group, choosing some from this book.
8. Help your group to make plans for a meeting for your parents, sponsors, or teachers. Tell them about Camp Fire Girls and when and where the organization started: do this by acting, talking, or drawing. Have games, songs and refreshments.
9. Choose a Camp Fire name for yourself. Before choosing your name, tell your guardian what you want it to mean to you.
10. Make plans with your group and visit an interesting place like a science or nature or art museum or zoo, where you will see and learn something new. Match memories and talk abut your new experiences in a group meeting after the trip.
When you have achieved this rank, you will receive your Trail Seeker's Certificate and 5 small purple honor beads. Then you may wear the Trail Seeker's silver charm. These are awarded to you at a group ceremonial. They are records of your progress on the Camp Fire trail.
It has just occurred to me that this blog can substitute for group meetings and ceremonials.
So I have named the 3 ranks already and I have them memorized.
The Seven Crafts are as follows(but I haven't memorized them). I will list them and what I intend to do in each category. Of course I have to put an adult spin on things or do something I have never done. I only have to do ONE from each Craft to become a Trail Seeker.
1. "Business-honor beads are yellow-they are symbols of the harvest, of work done happily with good results. Every girl should have experiences earning and saving money to help make her plans come true." Well, I have had a lot of experience earning my own money and saving for something special. For this category I have chosen the following activities-
a. Keep a personal detailed record of every cent you receive, spend and save for a month.
This is something I have done before but I think it is a good exercise for everyone just to
keep an eye on where your money is really going. I will start next Monday when I get my
paycheck. I get paid only once a month, the first of every month. I like this because it makes
things very simple. Pay the bills on the first and then budget what is left until the next one.
I check my bank balance online every day to make sure bills are paid but now I am going
to keep a record of every cent. If I withdraw money from the ATM I will make a note of it
and when I spend it or give it away(I have 2 kids!) I will keep track of that also.
b. Make yourself a schedule, perhaps a bedroom bulletin board or chart and try to keep it.
Yes, I need to budget my time better. I get distracted easily and waste a lot of time. At my
age I don't want to do that anymore.
c. Figure out the cost of a day's meals for your family. Keep a record of this for one week.
A few years ago I did this just for the food I eat. It came out to $90/month. I need to do it
again as I know prices have gone up. It's hard to do this for the entire family as no one in
my house eats the same thing. I am vegan. My husband eats all kinds of meats. My son
who lives with us is very erratic as to what he eats. I will give it a try.
d. Keep a record of the books and stories you have read for a month. I have been doing this
since January and didn't even know it would fulfill a Camp Fire honor! I have read 27
novels since January. Not bad since it is only June 26th! Novels are easy though. To modify
this and make it harder I will strive to read 1 non-fiction book for every novel I read for one
month.
2. Citizenship Craft-honor beads are red, white, and blue. These colors stand for good citizenship in our homes, at school, church or synagogue, in our community, and the world. Church or synagogue? Did they not hear of the separation of Church and State? I don't understand what some of these "honors" have to do with citizenship. For instance, one of the suggestions was washing and ironing doll clothes for a shut-in. Of course a lot of the things on the list I have already done. No awards for something I have already accomplished. I am 60 years old after all.
a. Keep yourself clean and neat and select clothes so you are attractive as possible each day for one month. What does that have to do with being a good citizen? I admit I may be beyond redemption in this category. I keep myself clean but I wear jeans every day of the week. In my job it doesn't matter what I wear to work and I feel like myself in jeans. I could do better about ironing my blouses and I know I don't choose the most flattering styles. I will think about this one but there are many more important things to be accomplished in life.
b. Have your fingerprints taken and put on file at the proper place. I'm just wondering where the proper place is for an 8 or 9-year-old to have their fingerprints on file? I have done this for my job a couple of time and of course when I joined the Peace Corps. Lord only knows where those are filed!
c. Be immunized-OK! I'm going to get my shingles vaccine in July. It's something every 60-year- old should do. I don't know why the magic age is 60. My husband got shingles a couple of months before his 60th birthday. Maybe they should lower that to 50?
d. Read 2 books that will help you understand Americans of different national or racial backgrounds from yours. I will do this. Can I have that count towards the books I read for my
Business Craft? No, no double-dipping!
e.on a map of your state find and mark 8 or 10 rivers, cities or other geographical areas with Indian names. Discover the tribes from which these names were taken.
f. Learn the Bill of Rights. Something everyone should do!
g. -take part in making a group exhibit of model dwellings people live in the world over, such as teepees, wigwams, tree houses, adobe houses, thatched houses, etc. Years ago I helped my son make a miniature adobe house. That was fun and I have wanted to do more projects like that.
3. Creative Arts Craft-honor beads are green, nature's color of creation and growing things. Dramatics, dancing, music, hand arts, writing, and other ways of creating beauty are in this Craft.
a. Cut and print a design, border or all-over pattern using a potato, carrot, green pepper(?)
other vegetable block.
b. Make "kitchen prints," using such forms as bottle tops, potato mashers, wooden or metal
forks or spoons, tin cans, jars, etc.
c. Make a bandanna, halter, apron, or scarf. I have a pattern for an apron that I have wanted
for years. I am going to make it. I could have it done in one day.
d. Weave material for an article such as a bookmark, belt, pot holder, scarf or bag. Weave it on a
cardboard, peg-type, soda straw, flat frame or Indian type loom. I have a loom and I am going
to learn how to use it.
e. Knit or crochet a simple article-I have done this. I have a poncho pattern I have wanted to knit.
I am going to do this.
f. Make a wind harp. I'm not sure what this is but it interests me to find out!
g. Paint, decorate or re-decorate 1 of the following: a chair, cabinet, knife rack, set of canisters,
bread box, cheese board, tray set of coasters or similar piece of kitchen equipment. I have
kitchen chairs that have needed re-painting and new seat covers. I am going to do this.
h. Make a scrap book-I want to make a scrap book for each of my most recent trips-Paris,
Lisbon, Bolivia.
4. Frontiers Craft-honor beads are blue. They symbolize the sky which extends to far horizons and
to new frontiers. In this Craft there are experiments in science-sound, light, magnetics and other
interests.
a. Learn how to shut off the water supply to your home.
b. Learn how foods were preserved 100 years ago.
c. go on a camera hike. Take at least one good picture.
d. Write a letter using invisible ink.
e. Make a floating compass. First I have to learn what that is!
f. Make a pin hole camera.
5. Home Craft-honor beads are flame color. Flame is symbolic of the hearth fire of the home. In this Craft is the service girls give to their homes and to their families.
a. Clean the refrigerator.
b. Take one month to clean/fix-up one room of the house.
c. Make a list of things to do daily, weekly, monthly to keep your house clean.
d. Make vegan pudding.
e. Learn to make candied orange peel.
f. List everything you eat for 3 days.
g. Make pickles.
h. Have a collection of 4 house plants. I want herbs growing in my kitchen.
6. Outdoor Crafts-honor beads are brown; that reminds us of earth, tree trunks, the woods and wildlife. Hiking, camping, exploring and nature hobbies are found in this Craft.
a. Learn to identify 5 bird species.
b. grow plants from kitchen cuttings.
c. find 5 native plants that were used for food, clothes or other purposes by the Indians. Tell how
they were prepared and used.
d. Make an Indian loom and weave something on it. What is an Indian loom?
e. Make biscuits on dessert in foil.
f. cook potatoes 3 ways outdoors.
g. Cook a dish on a tin can gypsy stove that you have made.
h. Go on a litter bug outing and clean up an area that others have left littered.
7. Sports and Games Craft-honor beads are red for your apple-red cheeks for good health, and keeping physically fit. Games and exercise, outdoors and in, active skills and good sportsmanship are in this craft. Many things in this category that aren't practical for me.
a. one suggestion is walk 1/2 mile every day for 2 weeks. I will modify this and say I will use
my NordicTrack for at least 1/2 hr a day for 2 weeks.
Much of the text that follows came directly from the Camp Fire Book.
"Trail Seeker-means you seek something. (that definitely applies to me) It means you want to find the way to do things and try new things. In this rank there will be hikes with lunches eaten out of doors, service given to others, Indian symbol games and your first group ceremonial(not likely as I am on my own.) You will help to plan a party and a trip and do many other things." Well, my birthday is coming up but I haven't planned a party. As for hiking and lunches out of doors this may not have been the best time to start in Southeast Texas!
"Becoming a Wood Gatherer means you strive to grow strong in loyalty, to progress, to learn, to accomplish, to share with your group. You will enjoy games and dances, an exciting symbol project, making friends with people from other countries while learning to be a good citizen of our own country. There will be cookouts, dramatics, ceremonials and you will decorate your ceremonial costume." This will take some adaptation since it's just me, no group. I doubt that I will be dancing. I have many friends from other countries. My oldest son was born in Ecuador-does he count as a friend from another country? I definitely need to learn to be a better citizen of my own country as she and I haven't seen eye-to-eye in a very long time. I am looking forward to cookouts and the symbol project.
"Becoming a Fire Maker will mean self-development, responsibility, service, sharing with others your skills and your joys on the camp fire trail, sports and games, parties, cookouts and camping trips help you keep physically and mentally fit. Learning to be a gracious hostess will increase your homemaking skills. Here you will have a real service project of your own choosing, and a new creative arts experience for you and your group." Wow, one thing at a time! I think I will address this when I come to it.
But first I will pursue the rank of Trail Seeker.
Trail Seeker's Desire
I desire
to seek the way
that shall become
a delight to my feet,
for it will bring me
to the fire of human kindness
lighted by those
who have gone before me
on the Camp Fire trail.
Theodore A. Harper
The requirements for Trail Seeker rank are:
1. Name the 3 ranks in Camp Fire and the Seven Crafts. Describe the color symbolism of the 8
different honor beads. Tell the meaning of the watchword and the slogan.
2. Make plans with your group and go on a hike. Take a trailside lunch which you have prepared yourself. Look and listen for interesting things in nature. Tell your group about 2 or 3.
3. Learn the Trail Seeker's Desire. Talk with your guardian about what it means to you. Describe the symbols on the Trail Seeker's charm.
4. Choose at least 1 honor(maybe more) in each of the Seven Crafts. Earn these honors at a group meeting or by yourself. Keep a record of the honors you earn.
5. Give Service to others by doing 1 of the following:
a. Make decorations for a hospital, children's home or day nursery.
b. Make a gift for an elderly person or a shut-in child.
c. Gather material and make dish gardens or seasonal bouquets for shut-ins.
6. With your group, find out about American Indian symbols and how the Indians use them.
Do 1 of the following:
a. Play 2 or 3 symbol games, using at least 6 different Indian symbols.
b. Help to make or draw a group picture story, using 6 or more Indian symbols.
c. Use 6 Indian symbols in making something, like invitations or decorations.
7. Take part in your group ceremonial meetings. Receive the honor beads you have earned. Sing
songs you have learned in your group, choosing some from this book.
8. Help your group to make plans for a meeting for your parents, sponsors, or teachers. Tell them about Camp Fire Girls and when and where the organization started: do this by acting, talking, or drawing. Have games, songs and refreshments.
9. Choose a Camp Fire name for yourself. Before choosing your name, tell your guardian what you want it to mean to you.
10. Make plans with your group and visit an interesting place like a science or nature or art museum or zoo, where you will see and learn something new. Match memories and talk abut your new experiences in a group meeting after the trip.
When you have achieved this rank, you will receive your Trail Seeker's Certificate and 5 small purple honor beads. Then you may wear the Trail Seeker's silver charm. These are awarded to you at a group ceremonial. They are records of your progress on the Camp Fire trail.
It has just occurred to me that this blog can substitute for group meetings and ceremonials.
So I have named the 3 ranks already and I have them memorized.
The Seven Crafts are as follows(but I haven't memorized them). I will list them and what I intend to do in each category. Of course I have to put an adult spin on things or do something I have never done. I only have to do ONE from each Craft to become a Trail Seeker.
1. "Business-honor beads are yellow-they are symbols of the harvest, of work done happily with good results. Every girl should have experiences earning and saving money to help make her plans come true." Well, I have had a lot of experience earning my own money and saving for something special. For this category I have chosen the following activities-
a. Keep a personal detailed record of every cent you receive, spend and save for a month.
This is something I have done before but I think it is a good exercise for everyone just to
keep an eye on where your money is really going. I will start next Monday when I get my
paycheck. I get paid only once a month, the first of every month. I like this because it makes
things very simple. Pay the bills on the first and then budget what is left until the next one.
I check my bank balance online every day to make sure bills are paid but now I am going
to keep a record of every cent. If I withdraw money from the ATM I will make a note of it
and when I spend it or give it away(I have 2 kids!) I will keep track of that also.
b. Make yourself a schedule, perhaps a bedroom bulletin board or chart and try to keep it.
Yes, I need to budget my time better. I get distracted easily and waste a lot of time. At my
age I don't want to do that anymore.
c. Figure out the cost of a day's meals for your family. Keep a record of this for one week.
A few years ago I did this just for the food I eat. It came out to $90/month. I need to do it
again as I know prices have gone up. It's hard to do this for the entire family as no one in
my house eats the same thing. I am vegan. My husband eats all kinds of meats. My son
who lives with us is very erratic as to what he eats. I will give it a try.
d. Keep a record of the books and stories you have read for a month. I have been doing this
since January and didn't even know it would fulfill a Camp Fire honor! I have read 27
novels since January. Not bad since it is only June 26th! Novels are easy though. To modify
this and make it harder I will strive to read 1 non-fiction book for every novel I read for one
month.
2. Citizenship Craft-honor beads are red, white, and blue. These colors stand for good citizenship in our homes, at school, church or synagogue, in our community, and the world. Church or synagogue? Did they not hear of the separation of Church and State? I don't understand what some of these "honors" have to do with citizenship. For instance, one of the suggestions was washing and ironing doll clothes for a shut-in. Of course a lot of the things on the list I have already done. No awards for something I have already accomplished. I am 60 years old after all.
a. Keep yourself clean and neat and select clothes so you are attractive as possible each day for one month. What does that have to do with being a good citizen? I admit I may be beyond redemption in this category. I keep myself clean but I wear jeans every day of the week. In my job it doesn't matter what I wear to work and I feel like myself in jeans. I could do better about ironing my blouses and I know I don't choose the most flattering styles. I will think about this one but there are many more important things to be accomplished in life.
b. Have your fingerprints taken and put on file at the proper place. I'm just wondering where the proper place is for an 8 or 9-year-old to have their fingerprints on file? I have done this for my job a couple of time and of course when I joined the Peace Corps. Lord only knows where those are filed!
c. Be immunized-OK! I'm going to get my shingles vaccine in July. It's something every 60-year- old should do. I don't know why the magic age is 60. My husband got shingles a couple of months before his 60th birthday. Maybe they should lower that to 50?
d. Read 2 books that will help you understand Americans of different national or racial backgrounds from yours. I will do this. Can I have that count towards the books I read for my
Business Craft? No, no double-dipping!
e.on a map of your state find and mark 8 or 10 rivers, cities or other geographical areas with Indian names. Discover the tribes from which these names were taken.
f. Learn the Bill of Rights. Something everyone should do!
g. -take part in making a group exhibit of model dwellings people live in the world over, such as teepees, wigwams, tree houses, adobe houses, thatched houses, etc. Years ago I helped my son make a miniature adobe house. That was fun and I have wanted to do more projects like that.
3. Creative Arts Craft-honor beads are green, nature's color of creation and growing things. Dramatics, dancing, music, hand arts, writing, and other ways of creating beauty are in this Craft.
a. Cut and print a design, border or all-over pattern using a potato, carrot, green pepper(?)
other vegetable block.
b. Make "kitchen prints," using such forms as bottle tops, potato mashers, wooden or metal
forks or spoons, tin cans, jars, etc.
c. Make a bandanna, halter, apron, or scarf. I have a pattern for an apron that I have wanted
for years. I am going to make it. I could have it done in one day.
d. Weave material for an article such as a bookmark, belt, pot holder, scarf or bag. Weave it on a
cardboard, peg-type, soda straw, flat frame or Indian type loom. I have a loom and I am going
to learn how to use it.
e. Knit or crochet a simple article-I have done this. I have a poncho pattern I have wanted to knit.
I am going to do this.
f. Make a wind harp. I'm not sure what this is but it interests me to find out!
g. Paint, decorate or re-decorate 1 of the following: a chair, cabinet, knife rack, set of canisters,
bread box, cheese board, tray set of coasters or similar piece of kitchen equipment. I have
kitchen chairs that have needed re-painting and new seat covers. I am going to do this.
h. Make a scrap book-I want to make a scrap book for each of my most recent trips-Paris,
Lisbon, Bolivia.
4. Frontiers Craft-honor beads are blue. They symbolize the sky which extends to far horizons and
to new frontiers. In this Craft there are experiments in science-sound, light, magnetics and other
interests.
a. Learn how to shut off the water supply to your home.
b. Learn how foods were preserved 100 years ago.
c. go on a camera hike. Take at least one good picture.
d. Write a letter using invisible ink.
e. Make a floating compass. First I have to learn what that is!
f. Make a pin hole camera.
5. Home Craft-honor beads are flame color. Flame is symbolic of the hearth fire of the home. In this Craft is the service girls give to their homes and to their families.
a. Clean the refrigerator.
b. Take one month to clean/fix-up one room of the house.
c. Make a list of things to do daily, weekly, monthly to keep your house clean.
d. Make vegan pudding.
e. Learn to make candied orange peel.
f. List everything you eat for 3 days.
g. Make pickles.
h. Have a collection of 4 house plants. I want herbs growing in my kitchen.
6. Outdoor Crafts-honor beads are brown; that reminds us of earth, tree trunks, the woods and wildlife. Hiking, camping, exploring and nature hobbies are found in this Craft.
a. Learn to identify 5 bird species.
b. grow plants from kitchen cuttings.
c. find 5 native plants that were used for food, clothes or other purposes by the Indians. Tell how
they were prepared and used.
d. Make an Indian loom and weave something on it. What is an Indian loom?
e. Make biscuits on dessert in foil.
f. cook potatoes 3 ways outdoors.
g. Cook a dish on a tin can gypsy stove that you have made.
h. Go on a litter bug outing and clean up an area that others have left littered.
7. Sports and Games Craft-honor beads are red for your apple-red cheeks for good health, and keeping physically fit. Games and exercise, outdoors and in, active skills and good sportsmanship are in this craft. Many things in this category that aren't practical for me.
a. one suggestion is walk 1/2 mile every day for 2 weeks. I will modify this and say I will use
my NordicTrack for at least 1/2 hr a day for 2 weeks.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Be Happy
#8-"Be Happy-With kind words and deeds and a friendly smile try to make other people happy. The best way to do this is to have a happy heart yourself. Catch a happy smile and put it in your pocket-never let it get away!" BE HAPPY-that's an order! I was miserably shy as a child and smiling just made me feel weird. I'm sure someone will want to diagnose me with a mental disorder for the confessions I make here. Fine. go ahead. I would love to know why I am weird and why I feel weird but I'm not going to stop BEING weird. I think it is good to be kind and do things for others but you can do too much trying to make others happy. Being the fifth child of two unhappy parents does not make it easy to be happy. We laughed a lot, my brother and sisters and I, when we weren't fighting or getting yelled at. I think laughing made me happy. As an adult I think happiness has always been around the corner---if I could do this or get that then I would be happy. I realize it doesn't work like that and now at 60 I resolve to be happy regardless of the circumstances. I like who I am. I like weird.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
More about Camp Fire Girl Laws
6. "Hold on to Health-Good health habits in eating, sleeping, cleanliness, exercise and fresh air will mean bright cheeks, sparkling eyes and a happy smile. Good health is a precious gift, so we do all we can to hold on to it."
I am a vegetarian. Actually, I have been vegan for two years. If I had been given a choice I would have been vegetarian as a child but I was forced to eat meat. Good health meant living on meat, potatoes, a spoonful of over-cooked green beans, bread and a glass of milk. I might eat bread now and then but most of that stuff is not part of my diet now. Sleeping was not a problem as a child. I had more self-discipline then than I do now. Even though no one told me to go to bed, or rarely did, I went to bed at 10p.m. Now sometimes I fall asleep in my chair. I don't get the exercise I did as a child but I can't walk to work the same way I walked to school and there is no mandatory P.E. class at my place of employment. Cleanliness---now there is an issue I am embarrassed to address but here goes: When I was very little we had a tiny bathroom with just a toilet and shower. There was no sink in the bathroom but the kitchen sink was only three steps away. I failed to mention that at the time there were five of us kids. A total of seven people living in a two bedroom house with one tiny bathroom. I don't remember ever using the shower but I suppose I must have. Otherwise how did I bathe? I had very long hair and I know that my mom made me lay on the kitchen counter with my head over the sink. That's how she washed my hair. It seems it would have been easier to wash it in the shower because I would scream and kick while laying there on the counter. We moved from there when I was seven to a four bedroom house with a proper bathroom and a huge claw foot tub.
I loved bathing in that tub but that was only a weekly occurrence. My mother would get angry if I tried to bathe more often. Why? I can't say unless it was that we were still seven people with one bathroom and when the bathroom was occupied for any length of time it could cause discomfort for others. It would have been hard for me to fulfill the Camp Fire obligations under those circumstances. I did wash my face and hands every morning and brushed my teeth after meals. I guess I did what I could with the resources available but I cringe now think of how dirty I must have been. I am hyper sensitive now, terrified that I give off odors and I am often afraid to be around people because of it. I don't know if I ever had the bright cheeks, sparkling eyes and happy smile mentioned here. Good health is a gift? I have been lucky. I haven't ttaken good care of myself other than avoiding drugs and meat. Maybe striving to earn my Camp Fire Awards will help me make commitments to my health.
7. "Glorify Work-this means to be proud of your work and of doing it well. Sing as you help at home, at school and at Camp Fire meetings and it will be fun to work! Be glad that you have work you can do. You have a real share in helping others and by always trying to do your best you "glorify work."
I never understood what "glorify work" mean. As an adult I have often felt that my position at the University is that of a glorified secretary so if that's what it means then MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I know that's not what it means. When I was a kid I used to sing while I washed dishes. "Go down Moses, way down to Egypt land. Tell old Pharoah let my people GOOOOOO!" That made my mom angry and made me laugh. I know I wasn't a slave, far from it, but I milked it for all the sympathy I could get(none). It still makes me laugh. When not playing for sympathy I would sing "White coral bells" starting as low as possible then singing again and again with my voice higher and higher each time. The last line of the song is "When the fairies sing" and I thought an ultra-high squeaky voice was how fairies sounded. This also irritated my mother and makes me laugh out loud to think about.
I am a vegetarian. Actually, I have been vegan for two years. If I had been given a choice I would have been vegetarian as a child but I was forced to eat meat. Good health meant living on meat, potatoes, a spoonful of over-cooked green beans, bread and a glass of milk. I might eat bread now and then but most of that stuff is not part of my diet now. Sleeping was not a problem as a child. I had more self-discipline then than I do now. Even though no one told me to go to bed, or rarely did, I went to bed at 10p.m. Now sometimes I fall asleep in my chair. I don't get the exercise I did as a child but I can't walk to work the same way I walked to school and there is no mandatory P.E. class at my place of employment. Cleanliness---now there is an issue I am embarrassed to address but here goes: When I was very little we had a tiny bathroom with just a toilet and shower. There was no sink in the bathroom but the kitchen sink was only three steps away. I failed to mention that at the time there were five of us kids. A total of seven people living in a two bedroom house with one tiny bathroom. I don't remember ever using the shower but I suppose I must have. Otherwise how did I bathe? I had very long hair and I know that my mom made me lay on the kitchen counter with my head over the sink. That's how she washed my hair. It seems it would have been easier to wash it in the shower because I would scream and kick while laying there on the counter. We moved from there when I was seven to a four bedroom house with a proper bathroom and a huge claw foot tub.
I loved bathing in that tub but that was only a weekly occurrence. My mother would get angry if I tried to bathe more often. Why? I can't say unless it was that we were still seven people with one bathroom and when the bathroom was occupied for any length of time it could cause discomfort for others. It would have been hard for me to fulfill the Camp Fire obligations under those circumstances. I did wash my face and hands every morning and brushed my teeth after meals. I guess I did what I could with the resources available but I cringe now think of how dirty I must have been. I am hyper sensitive now, terrified that I give off odors and I am often afraid to be around people because of it. I don't know if I ever had the bright cheeks, sparkling eyes and happy smile mentioned here. Good health is a gift? I have been lucky. I haven't ttaken good care of myself other than avoiding drugs and meat. Maybe striving to earn my Camp Fire Awards will help me make commitments to my health.
7. "Glorify Work-this means to be proud of your work and of doing it well. Sing as you help at home, at school and at Camp Fire meetings and it will be fun to work! Be glad that you have work you can do. You have a real share in helping others and by always trying to do your best you "glorify work."
I never understood what "glorify work" mean. As an adult I have often felt that my position at the University is that of a glorified secretary so if that's what it means then MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I know that's not what it means. When I was a kid I used to sing while I washed dishes. "Go down Moses, way down to Egypt land. Tell old Pharoah let my people GOOOOOO!" That made my mom angry and made me laugh. I know I wasn't a slave, far from it, but I milked it for all the sympathy I could get(none). It still makes me laugh. When not playing for sympathy I would sing "White coral bells" starting as low as possible then singing again and again with my voice higher and higher each time. The last line of the song is "When the fairies sing" and I thought an ultra-high squeaky voice was how fairies sounded. This also irritated my mother and makes me laugh out loud to think about.
Monday, June 17, 2013
The laws of the Camp Fire Girls and symbols
1. "Worship God-Creation is God's gift to us; with our hearts we worship and praise him." Well, that's one law I tended to skip over as a child. I'm sure more religious girls had no problem with it but I didn't see why it had to be part of an after-school program. My mother was erratic about taking us to church. she would force us to go several weeks in a row and then forget about it for several weeks. Around our house the words God and Jesus were swear words. A prayer was something you had to endure before a big meal. Believing in God was something I just didn't get. As an adult I have been Catholic and pagan. I believe creation is just creation. I feel lucky to be alive but I think it is nothing more than a happy accident. Worshipping and praising are something I just don't know how to do. I have read that this was not included in the original Camp Fire laws. It was probably added to appease parents who thought there was too much of a Native American influence in the organization. Looking at it as an adult I see a lot of similarities between this and pagan ceremonies. Maybe that's what appealed to me!
2."Seek Beauty-Don't wait for someone to show you something beautiful. Seek beauty means to look for it everywhere around you. Beauty is found in music, sunsets, snowflakes, white clouds in a blue sky, your home, stars at night, wildflowers, a baby, a soft warm cuddly puppy, or in the smile of a friend. Where else do you find beauty?" It took me years to recognize beauty and to appreciate it. When someone pointed out the beauty of a forest or mountains I would agree but inside I wondered what is it that is beautiful? It was just there. I had to live in a city for many years before learning to appreciate nature. Now it is something I crave and I feel myself dying inside being stuck in an ugly city seeing the same concrete back and forth to work. The heat in this area makes it impossible to go outside and appreciate any little patch of green there may be. The flatness is another thing that just kills my soul. Looking out and seeing nothing but more buildings and power lines is just not what we were meant to see.
I want to make my home beautiful but sharing it with my family who seem blind to my efforts is very frustrating. I hear things like this---Why not just duct tape my weather station to the outside of the house? Who cares? At least the tape is your favorite color of blue! Who cares that the carpet has grease spots we track in on our shoes? Who cares that the furniture is thread-bare and filthy?
I realize that men, at least the men in my life, husband and sons, really don't care how the place looks or smells. I have to find beauty where I can create it and keep it private because no one else appreciates it or respects it enough not to destroy it.
Friday, June 14, 2013
HERE WE GO!
I"m going to start by going through the objectives of the "Camp Fire Girls, Inc" ( A corporation not a club?"
"Every Camp Fire Girl, when she grows up, carries along invisible treasures-her own special memories of Camp Fire Days." I do have special memories and will explore them as I go along. It continues..." Though of course we can't guess what all of them will be, we-your friends in Camp Fire all over the United States- hope you will keep, forever, in some measure:" (Who wrote this stuff for 8-10 year olds?)
"High ideals to live by, day by day"-I did not know what this meant and even now I wonder-honesty, modesty, kindness? What?
"A love of home and family that grows as you grow." This was a tough one for me. When I was a child I thought a family was just a bunch of people who happened to live in the same house. The word love was never mentioned. The idea that anyone loved me was ludicrous. I certainly didn't think my parents loved me or each other. They fought all the time and rarely had a good word to say to any of us kids. I daydreamed about a happy family but I was powerless to live up to this Camp Fire Girls ideal.
Next up is "A quiet pride in being a girl and a full measure of womanly qualities." There is another thing I didn't understand. I certainly was not proud of being a girl. Boys had the best stuff and the best opportunities. Their toys were more fun-a truck that ROLLS or a doll that just lays there? Boys' clothes were more comfortable-jeans or dresses? In jeans you could run, jump and climb. In dresses you could sit, stand and walk slowly. Boys dominated the classroom. Girls? What was there to be proud of? And what is a "full measure of womanly qualities?" What is a "full measure?" Are they talking cups, pounds, inches, dollars and cents? What are "womanly qualities?" To walk slowly in high heels with a demure smile on your face? Women who look like that remind me of cows. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE COWS! They always have that look as if they know all the fantasatic secrets of the universe. Maybe that is a womanly quality. To keep secrets or at least look like you have all the secrets. If that's true then my cup, scale, yardstick and bank account are all overflowing, groaning under the weight, coming up short and accruing tons of interest measuring my womanly qualities. Keeping those family secrets has been a burden.
Moving on to the next objective-"Deep love for your country, a knowledge of what democracy means, readiness to serve;" I'm not sure I could say I had a deep love for my country. It was drummed into us from the first day of kindergarten that "America" was the best country in the world and that we were fortunate to have been born here. We were told that everyone wanted to be here or be exactly like us. Remembering that makes me cringe. I don't even want to be like us! "The knowledge of what democracy is"-I guess I knew what the definition of democracy was. It meant that we voted. I knew nothing at that age of what went on behind closed doors, in the lobby, under cover of darkness that makes me feel like my vote doesn't count. It's like finding out your boyfriend is a liar. A big letdown. It doesn't mean you don't love him but maybe you will spend less time with him and eventually you will split up. I also knew that democracy was NOT communism. I think they tried to make us love our country by making us afraid of everyone else.
"Readiness to serve"-now that was something I thought I could do. When I was 10 years old I saw an episode of "the Patty Duke Show". Patty wanted to join the Peace Corps and to prepare herself she was wearing a grass skirt and eating grass soup. ( how convenient she could wear her lunch.) I had heard President Kennedy, "Ask not what your county can do for you. Ask what YOU can do for your country." I was ready to go. While Ididn't see how this was "serving my country" it looked like a great adventure that I wanted to go on. Just 10 years later I was in Ecuador as a Peace Corps Volunteer serving my county and loving it.
Next-"Many friends, and the fun and happiness of making and keeping more, all through your life;"
I tended to cling to one friend as a child. She must have felt suffocated by me! I didn't consider any one else my friend although looking back on it a lot of the kids I knew were my friends. I wish I could have relaxed and accepted their friendship. I was afraid of so many things. Mostly I was afraid of letting anyone see the real me and my real family. I couldn't even admit to myself what a miserable lot we were. A friend was an escape from reality but if she had found out the truth our friendship may have ended. I have made a lot of good friends since then but I hope I have kept the best friends of my childhood.
Next-"Good health and the habits that will help you keep it;" And yet another thing that was too abstract for me as a child. I knew health meant NOT SICK. I didn't know about being strong and fit or having endurance. I knew what foods I was told were good for me that I hated and now I am told are not good for me.---meat, liver especially, and milk- I hated meat as a child and only ate it so that I wouldn't get into trouble. I had to convince myself that in these modern times(fifty years ago) that the meat on our table came from factories and not from dead animals. Liver--I can't even think about it. Milk had such a horrible taste and left a coating in my mouth that it's a wonder I managed to choke it down. Now I am a vegan and very happy with my food choices. That part about being fit-well, I think of exercise as something I hope to get when I retire and move away from suburban hell. In various times of my life I have been able to walk or ride a bike to work. I hope to be able to do that again.
Moving on-"the ability to take care of yourself, to do your work skillfully, and to take pleasure in it;"
Well, here is evidence that I should have stayed in Camp Fire long enough to master this objective. I think that too many girls of my generation were raised to be helpless. Not that we couldn't cook and clean but we weren't raised knowing we would have to support ourselves financially. If I had realized as a child that I truly was free to do whatever I wanted when I grew up my life would have gone in a different direction. I have a good job now but I have been doing it so many years that I am bored to death and I am marking tine until I can retire. I don't want to live like this. Maybe my Camp Fire project will help me take control of my life.
Next-"Interests, skills and hobbies you can enjoy with others and alone;" I have more interests than there are hours in the day. I am a very private person and sharing hobbies is hard for me. Solo activities have always been easier for me to excel at. Maybe there is an activity in the book that will force me to come out of my shell.
Next-"Love of the outdoors and skill in outdoor living;" This is something I have always wanted more of in my life. I love sleeping outdoors as long as I am safe. I love cooking outside. I love trees and plants. I don't like snakes, bugs and icky things. Someday, I will spend more time outdoors. In spite of the name Camp Fire Girls, our group never had a campfire.
Next-"A happy heart that will help you find beauty, romance and adventure in the common things of daily life;" Well, I failed at this one. I think I may have been born with a heavy heart and my family did little to lighten it. For my parents everything was utilitarian. The idea of making your surroundings beautiful would have been laughed at in our house. As an adult I have tried to make my home beautiful but I get little cooperation from my present family. They don't clean up after themselves. They knock things down and don't put them back. These are things I am going to take control of in the near future. As for finding adventure in daily life...I haven't figured that out yet. Some things are just plain drudgery.
So we have come to the end of the objectives. Next in the book are the symbol designs for the law of the Camp Fire Girls. Until then, thanks for reading!
"Every Camp Fire Girl, when she grows up, carries along invisible treasures-her own special memories of Camp Fire Days." I do have special memories and will explore them as I go along. It continues..." Though of course we can't guess what all of them will be, we-your friends in Camp Fire all over the United States- hope you will keep, forever, in some measure:" (Who wrote this stuff for 8-10 year olds?)
"High ideals to live by, day by day"-I did not know what this meant and even now I wonder-honesty, modesty, kindness? What?
"A love of home and family that grows as you grow." This was a tough one for me. When I was a child I thought a family was just a bunch of people who happened to live in the same house. The word love was never mentioned. The idea that anyone loved me was ludicrous. I certainly didn't think my parents loved me or each other. They fought all the time and rarely had a good word to say to any of us kids. I daydreamed about a happy family but I was powerless to live up to this Camp Fire Girls ideal.
Next up is "A quiet pride in being a girl and a full measure of womanly qualities." There is another thing I didn't understand. I certainly was not proud of being a girl. Boys had the best stuff and the best opportunities. Their toys were more fun-a truck that ROLLS or a doll that just lays there? Boys' clothes were more comfortable-jeans or dresses? In jeans you could run, jump and climb. In dresses you could sit, stand and walk slowly. Boys dominated the classroom. Girls? What was there to be proud of? And what is a "full measure of womanly qualities?" What is a "full measure?" Are they talking cups, pounds, inches, dollars and cents? What are "womanly qualities?" To walk slowly in high heels with a demure smile on your face? Women who look like that remind me of cows. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE COWS! They always have that look as if they know all the fantasatic secrets of the universe. Maybe that is a womanly quality. To keep secrets or at least look like you have all the secrets. If that's true then my cup, scale, yardstick and bank account are all overflowing, groaning under the weight, coming up short and accruing tons of interest measuring my womanly qualities. Keeping those family secrets has been a burden.
Moving on to the next objective-"Deep love for your country, a knowledge of what democracy means, readiness to serve;" I'm not sure I could say I had a deep love for my country. It was drummed into us from the first day of kindergarten that "America" was the best country in the world and that we were fortunate to have been born here. We were told that everyone wanted to be here or be exactly like us. Remembering that makes me cringe. I don't even want to be like us! "The knowledge of what democracy is"-I guess I knew what the definition of democracy was. It meant that we voted. I knew nothing at that age of what went on behind closed doors, in the lobby, under cover of darkness that makes me feel like my vote doesn't count. It's like finding out your boyfriend is a liar. A big letdown. It doesn't mean you don't love him but maybe you will spend less time with him and eventually you will split up. I also knew that democracy was NOT communism. I think they tried to make us love our country by making us afraid of everyone else.
"Readiness to serve"-now that was something I thought I could do. When I was 10 years old I saw an episode of "the Patty Duke Show". Patty wanted to join the Peace Corps and to prepare herself she was wearing a grass skirt and eating grass soup. ( how convenient she could wear her lunch.) I had heard President Kennedy, "Ask not what your county can do for you. Ask what YOU can do for your country." I was ready to go. While Ididn't see how this was "serving my country" it looked like a great adventure that I wanted to go on. Just 10 years later I was in Ecuador as a Peace Corps Volunteer serving my county and loving it.
Next-"Many friends, and the fun and happiness of making and keeping more, all through your life;"
I tended to cling to one friend as a child. She must have felt suffocated by me! I didn't consider any one else my friend although looking back on it a lot of the kids I knew were my friends. I wish I could have relaxed and accepted their friendship. I was afraid of so many things. Mostly I was afraid of letting anyone see the real me and my real family. I couldn't even admit to myself what a miserable lot we were. A friend was an escape from reality but if she had found out the truth our friendship may have ended. I have made a lot of good friends since then but I hope I have kept the best friends of my childhood.
Next-"Good health and the habits that will help you keep it;" And yet another thing that was too abstract for me as a child. I knew health meant NOT SICK. I didn't know about being strong and fit or having endurance. I knew what foods I was told were good for me that I hated and now I am told are not good for me.---meat, liver especially, and milk- I hated meat as a child and only ate it so that I wouldn't get into trouble. I had to convince myself that in these modern times(fifty years ago) that the meat on our table came from factories and not from dead animals. Liver--I can't even think about it. Milk had such a horrible taste and left a coating in my mouth that it's a wonder I managed to choke it down. Now I am a vegan and very happy with my food choices. That part about being fit-well, I think of exercise as something I hope to get when I retire and move away from suburban hell. In various times of my life I have been able to walk or ride a bike to work. I hope to be able to do that again.
Moving on-"the ability to take care of yourself, to do your work skillfully, and to take pleasure in it;"
Well, here is evidence that I should have stayed in Camp Fire long enough to master this objective. I think that too many girls of my generation were raised to be helpless. Not that we couldn't cook and clean but we weren't raised knowing we would have to support ourselves financially. If I had realized as a child that I truly was free to do whatever I wanted when I grew up my life would have gone in a different direction. I have a good job now but I have been doing it so many years that I am bored to death and I am marking tine until I can retire. I don't want to live like this. Maybe my Camp Fire project will help me take control of my life.
Next-"Interests, skills and hobbies you can enjoy with others and alone;" I have more interests than there are hours in the day. I am a very private person and sharing hobbies is hard for me. Solo activities have always been easier for me to excel at. Maybe there is an activity in the book that will force me to come out of my shell.
Next-"Love of the outdoors and skill in outdoor living;" This is something I have always wanted more of in my life. I love sleeping outdoors as long as I am safe. I love cooking outside. I love trees and plants. I don't like snakes, bugs and icky things. Someday, I will spend more time outdoors. In spite of the name Camp Fire Girls, our group never had a campfire.
Next-"A happy heart that will help you find beauty, romance and adventure in the common things of daily life;" Well, I failed at this one. I think I may have been born with a heavy heart and my family did little to lighten it. For my parents everything was utilitarian. The idea of making your surroundings beautiful would have been laughed at in our house. As an adult I have tried to make my home beautiful but I get little cooperation from my present family. They don't clean up after themselves. They knock things down and don't put them back. These are things I am going to take control of in the near future. As for finding adventure in daily life...I haven't figured that out yet. Some things are just plain drudgery.
So we have come to the end of the objectives. Next in the book are the symbol designs for the law of the Camp Fire Girls. Until then, thanks for reading!
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